Leaders of gospel church hoping to rebuild following fire | News

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EXETER, Maine (NEWS CENTER) --- Investigators with the State Fire Marshal's office were in Exeter on Tuesday where they were trying to determine what caused a church there to catch fire Monday night.

The Full Gospel Church of Exeter caught fire sometime after 8 pm. More than 40 firefighters from five nearby towns responded. They were able to knock the fire down after about two hours.

The flames heavily damaged one side of the building but firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading. On Tuesday leaders of the church began to survey the damage. At this point they say they're hopeful they can rebuild their house of worship.

"There's a significant amount of damage but the structure of the building is mostly intact," said Chris Faloon, who is the pastor of the Full Gospel Church of Exeter, "we're expecting to remove all of the damage and repair and remodel inside...and continue on."

Firefighters suspect the fire was caued by a wood stove in the church basement. The state fire marshal's office is continuing to investigate at this time. For now the church is planning to hold its Sunday services at the Exeter School.